Asked about the incident, Rosecrans said: “It’s not the first time it’s happened in the clubhouse and it’s not the last. Brandon had his say and I don’t care. It won’t change how I cover the team, or Brandon.”

The Enquirer also released a statement about the incident.

“While we are disappointed in Phillips’ reaction, we understand it is a pennant race and emotions are high during a crucial series with a heated rival,” the statement read. “This isn’t the first time a player has lost his temper in response to a reporter’s questions and it won’t be the last. It is part of covering the team day-in day-out.

“This will not affect our coverage of the team or Phillips. We plan on moving on from this and we hope Phillips does too.”

Phillips has a .310 on-base percentage for the slumping playoff contenders. He has 95 RBIs and has batted fourth for most of the season, hitting .355 with runners in scoring position.

After the third-place Reds lost 6-1 Tuesday night and fell 4 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Cardinals, Phillips tweeted that “it was time to talk to POPS about changing my role! NEED NEW RESULTS ASAP!”

#WellAlright… After tonight's loss, it was that time to talk to POPS about changing my role! NEED NEW RESULTS ASAP! #ALLREADY